downers grove

All Aboard the BNSF Metra Line! Kid-Friendly Train Trips to Historic Downtowns and New Destinations

The western suburbs are home to charming downtown districts with delicious ice cream shops, beautiful parks, and adorable shops. What could make these outings even more exciting? Hop on the…

Children’s Resales and Consignment Shops to Save on Kids’ Clothing and Gear

It’s out with the old and in with the new-to-you! Our resale guide has all the details on spots to save on new or gently-used items. You’ll want to save this…

35 Local 5K Races and Kids’ Fun Runs to Support Amazing Causes and Get Your Family Moving

What better way to build community, support local and national charities, and encourage active lifestyles for your family than participating in upcoming fun runs or 5Ks? There are several opportunities…

14 Parents Night Out Programs with Dodgeball, Pizza, Hiking, Swimming, and More

Finding time to fit in a date night can be tricky, and adding the task of finding reliable childcare can make things even more difficult. No need to worry: we’ve…

All the 4th of July Fireworks, Parades, and Events for 2024

It’s time to celebrate like it’s 1776! 4th of July fireworks are everywhere throughout the west and northwest suburbs, so get ready to ooh and aah at the skies this…

21 Joy-Filled Juneteenth Celebrations in Chicagoland

Juneteenth, which takes place on June 19, commemorates the day that slaves in Texas were finally told of their emancipation, more than two years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.…

50 Super Fun Summer Bucket List Activities to Inspire an Unforgettable Summer 2024 (+ a Printable!)

Oh, summertime. I can practically hear the sizzle of food on the grill, feel the warmth of the sunshine, and smell the bonfires that will help roast the perfect s’mores.…

Mini Golf Chicago: 24 of the Coolest Indoor and Outdoor Courses in Chicagoland

Mini golf is the perfect outing for all skills levels! The greater Chicagoland area is fortunate enough to have a plethora of beautiful, fun-filled mini golf options for indoor and…

Classic Car Shows are Revving Back Up for Summer 2024

Classic car shows are filled with both impeccably restored vintage automobiles as well as new, top-of-the-line cars. Along with aisles of car enthusiasts, these outdoor festivities typically include food vendors,…

Put These Kids’ Summer Movie Deals On the Calendar for a Cool Indoor Activity

Summer movie deals are one of our favorite summer traditions. Cool off in the air-conditioning with a bucket of popcorn and your favorite candy, all while enjoying family-friendly pricing at…

Two girls eating Rainbow Cones outside of a bright pink store.

50+ Local Ice Cream Shops Scooping Up Sweet Summer Memories (and an Ice Cream Parlor Map)

We get it, ice cream is definitely a treat to be enjoyed all year long. However, it’s something so special about finding your favorite flavor on a hot summer day…

Kids smiling and waving on a car-themed merry-go-round ride at a summer festival.

2024 Summer Festivals Filled with Great Music, Fair Food, and Family

The sun is shining, band is playing, and carnival rides are spinning. It must mean summer festival time!

Popular Guides

A little girl holds up a strawberry she's picked from the field.

40+ Nearby U-Pick Farms Where Chicagoland Kids Get a Hands-On Taste of Fresh Fruits and Veggies

While my kids enjoy helping pick out produce at the grocery store, it’s much more fun to build core memories at actual U-Pick farms. Kids connect with nature by seeing…

2023-24 Guide to Kids Classes and Teams in the Western Suburbs

If you’re looking for classes and teams for your children to join this school year, you’re in the right place! The local businesses in our community have wonderful options for…

Things to Do and Places to Go for All Ages, from Babies to Teenagers: Activities by Age

With so many amazing things to do with kids in Chicagoland, how do you find the best places for each age group? And how can you avoid showing up with…

Kids Eat Free Every Day of the Week in the Chicagoland Suburbs

I love those specials days where my kitchen is clean, I don’t have to cook, and its restaurant night! There is nothing better than sitting down with your family at…

All the 2024 Free Museum Days Chicago and the Suburbs Have to Offer

Free museum days in Chicago?! Yes, please! Our visits to museums and zoos are core memory-makers for our children, especially when they involve a trip to the city. After marveling…

Places to See Dinosaurs: Museums, Attractions, and Events to Delight Your Dino-Loving Kids

T. rex, Stegasaurus, and Triceratops… in my home, these dinosaurs are celebrities! I love places to see dinosaurs and learn more with my kids, because there are so many activities…

Best Preschool Near Me: The Answer To Your Search in Chicago’s Western Suburbs

If you are searching for “the best preschool near me”, you came to the right place! With the help of local preschools and care facilities, we created this resource for…

2024 Best Summer Camps for Kids in Chicago’s Suburbs

Now is the time to start looking at summer camps! Some camps are currently taking registrations, while others are still formulating their plans, but you don’t want to miss the…

The Best Kids Birthday Party Places, Kids Party Entertainment, Party Rentals, and more

Looking for the best kids birthday party places? Want to hire entertainment? Decoration experts? Yard Signs? Bounce houses? Food? We want to make planning an amazing party easy and fun!…

Talented Family Photographers Serving Chicago’s Western Suburbs

It’s so special to be able to capture memorable moments with you and your kids. I don’t think I’m alone in having thousands of action photos of my kids, but very few with…